Bright Morning Star

Last week we started The Sanctuary Course. It’s an eight week series aimed at generating conversation and raising awareness in the local church of mental health.

People shared experiences of various mental health struggles.

…of being consumed by a dark fog.

…of overwhelming anxiety that can take hold.

…of the mental anguish of dealing with trauma.

…of highs and lows.

…of tears.

…of depression.

…of darkness.

…of mental tiredness. 

People shared stories of how the church has failed them.

…of suggesting there must be unconfessed sin in their or else they wouldn’t be feeling like this.

…or they don’t have enough faith.

…or they have demons (yes, seriously.)

…or being told to pull themselves together. 

Or how you can feel like a fraud because you don’t have visible symptoms like a broken arm.

Or you feel guilty ‘because aren’t Christians supposed to be happy?’

Or shame because of the perceived stigma.

And we watched a video of a pastor share his struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Folks, I’m sure we will share more.

But for now, two thoughts.

One: Neighbourhood must be a safe place for people struggling with the whole array of mental health issues. We must learn how to come alongside the struggling. To pray. To support. To care for. To encourage spiritually. To love.

And Two: And I’ve stolen this shamelessly from the video…but we must remember we worship the One who is the Bright Morning Star.

We learned that the Bright Morning Star is the brightest star in the morning sky (actually, it’s the planet Venus) that is visible right before the rising of the sun – it’s a reminder…a promise….that the new day is coming.

We were reminded that Jesus is hope. Jesus brings hope. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus brings his light to shine in the darkness. And whilst walking in and through dark times can be incredibly hard, with Jesus the new is coming. We cling to…we point people to…the One who is the Bright Morning Star.